Adjusting Your Water Heater Temperature

A small change to your water heater thermostat can save money and energy.

Most homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about their water heaters until something goes wrong or it’s time for a replacement. But did you know that a simple adjustment to your water heater’s settings could help you save money without sacrificing comfort? With heating water accounting for about 18% of a home’s energy usage, adopting a few energy-saving practices can save you serious cash over time.

If you live in Calverton or elsewhere in Eastern Long Island, this guide will teach you how to properly adjust your water heater to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maintain safety.

How to Adjust Your Water Heater?

Adjusting your unit’s temperature may differ depending on the manufacturer and model. Typically, the thermostat is located either at the top or bottom of the unit, sometimes kept behind an insulated access panel. Here, you’ll find the temperature controls and specialty settings needed to raise or lower your water’s heat level.

Here are three circumstances when you may need to adjust your unit’s thermostat:

1. Set The Temperature to 120°F

Many water heaters are preset to 140°F, a temperature that ensures a steady supply of hot water but can lead to higher energy bills and pose safety risks, particularly for children or older adults.

Turning down the dial by just a few degrees makes a big difference. Here are three steps to optimize your water heater’s settings and maximize efficiency. At 120°F:

• Your unit uses less energy to maintain the water’s heat.
• The risk of accidental burns decreases significantly.
• You can still enjoy plenty of hot water for daily tasks like showers, laundry and dishwashing.

This single adjustment could save you roughly $400 annually, depending on your household’s water usage.

2. Use Vacation Mode While Out of Town

When you’re away on vacation or an extended trip, your water heater doesn’t need to keep heating water that no one is using. Many water heaters include a “vacation mode” setting designed to maintain minimal operation and reduce energy use while you’re gone.

If your water heater doesn’t have this feature, you can manually lower the water temperature to its lowest setting before heading out. Just don’t forget to adjust it back to 120°F when you return!

3. Pilot Mode for Maintenance

Over time, sediment and minerals tend to settle at the bottom of your water heater. This buildup can reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of your unit. Flushing your water heater at least once a year clears the sediment and ensures it’s running optimally.

Before you begin flushing your tank, switch your water heater to “pilot mode” or shut off the burner. This step protects the tank and heating elements from damage while the tank is drained and rinsed.

Why Suffolk County Homeowners Trust Burt’s Reliable

At Burt’s Reliable, we’ve built a reputation for helping homeowners across Calverton and the East End enhance energy efficiency and comfort in their homes. Whether you’re looking to maintain your water heater, flush sediment or upgrade to a high-efficiency model, we have the expertise and tools you need.

With Burt’s Reliable, you can be assured you’ll have:

• Skilled service technicians experienced in water heater maintenance, repairs and installations.
• High-quality products from leading manufacturers to suit your household’s needs.
• FREE estimates and removal of old water heaters during replacement.

If it’s time to replace your current water heater, ask us about our energy-efficient options, including advanced indirect-fired water heaters that work with your home’s boiler system. These systems offer one of the lowest-cost methods for generating hot water today.

If you’re ready to optimize your current unit or explore upgrade options, contact Burt’s Reliable today for expert advice, maintenance or a free estimate.